Patio Trend: Edibles to the Front

Along with integrated seating and fire features, edible landscaping is one of the hottest trends in outdoor design. In fact, the National Gardening Association recently reported that one in three households were already growing food. Edibles are not only beautiful, they also double as a fresh, organic source of flavor and nutrients for your family.

The key to edible landscaping success? Plant them near the front of larger landscape features to maximize access to water and sunlight. Use them in combination with other pollinating plants to increase the chances of friendly helpers like bees and butterflies visiting your yard.

Here are five easy-to-maintain edibles to consider for your spring planting.

Herbs All Around

Annual and biannual herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil are the easiest way to dip your toe into edible landscaping. Typically, herbs are hardy, low-maintenance plants with high yields. They add simplistic beauty to your walkway or around your patio, and they can be used in cooking daily.

Flavor in Bloom

Flowers aren’t just beautiful—some of them are pretty tasty, too. Edible flowers can include begonias, chrysanthemums, clover, cornflower, dandelions, and a myriad of other delicious, colorful species. The key to edible flowers is to never spray them with pesticides or other chemicals. Plant them as a colorful border around your outdoor living space, and let the birds and the bees do their work. Need recipe inspiration? Try candied rose petals, waffle toppings, dandelion bread pudding, or lavender rosemary chicken!

The Do-It-All Bush

Edible shrubbery, like blueberry and currant bushes, can perform triple duty as a source of food, a landscaping focal point, and a natural wall or barrier. Use edible shrubbery to border a walkway or act as a natural fence around your outdoor living space.

Ground Cover

If you need to cover a larger area with beautiful greenery, consider using creeping plants like strawberries and pumpkins. They’ll spread on their own and offer a delicious yield while covering a large area. Most varieties are durable enough to withstand some foot traffic, and they add a rustic element to any landscaping project.

Save Space, Maximize Taste

If you’re tight on space, don’t fret. Vining plants like cucumbers, melons, and zucchini can all be trained to grow vertically, and they maximize your space and add conversation starters to your patio area.

Having a beautiful outdoor living space is truly a gift. Having one you can eat from is just awesome. Check your region’s planting schedule to find out when to get started and enjoy a spring and summer of green, delicious landscaping.

Get the latest news and offers

Let's Get Social

Box Lunch Programs

Eagle Bay is pleased to provide educational programs in the comfort of your own office during your lunch hour. Through our popular box lunch programs, architects and engineers can learn about the different retaining commercial wall products and services that we offer. To schedule a lunch, please select the box(es) for the programs of interest and submit the form below.